June 3, 2004

Volunteer of the Week: Don Smith

Don Smith says he likes to make himself useful. His many volunteer efforts over the past 23 years have proven that it’s more than just making himself useful, but he makes memories as well.

Smith worked for IBM for 33-plus years in marketing and software development. In 1993, he married his wife, Janet, who was a schoolteacher at Burnett Elementary, and he noticed there was a need for volunteers to help set up a computer lab at the school. “I realized that schools frequently had money for technology or had equipment donated, but often the equipment sat unused or never even came out of the box because ongoing maintenance and training isn’t provided,” says Smith.

Since that time 10 years ago, Smith has been involved as the “technology volunteer.” He has led Netday activities, organized efforts to automate the library system at the school, and conducted a successful after school G.A.T.E. Program with students in grades 4-6 to construct the school’s Web site. Smith maintains the equipment at the school, installs new software and answers staff questions.

“I volunteer for activities that I believe in. I look for a way to contribute consistent with my abilities. As I look at the choices I have made for volunteer work, I see that they involve education and youth and I am certainly passionate about those subjects. My efforts are stimulating experiences for me and keep me feeling young,” says Smith.

Smith’s efforts have had quite an impact on Burnett Elementary in Morgan Hill. They have dedicated June 7 as Don Smith Day.

At the Almaden Swim and Racquet Club (ASRC), where Smith has been a member since 1978 when he moved to Almaden with his son, he is dubbed as the club historian, but likes to refer to himself instead as the keeper of memories.

After becoming a member of the ASRC and realizing what a wonderful place it is for families, Smith began documenting this experience through photography. He began sharing these photographs through slide shows to encourage more swimmers to start their summer season early enough to participate in the Annual Raisin Swim Meet (which was then called the Sunkist Meet).

That small slide show developed over the 24 years into a 45-minute slide show that highlights the season. He also does a special show for the graduating seniors to highlight their years with the program.

“The swim team experience at ASRC is another one of those special situations that goes far beyond just learning to swim and compete. I have seen it teach life lessons in a friendly, supportive atmosphere and I see friendships develop and last. I continued to be a part of this program after my son graduated because I know that in my way, I can help remind these kids who have worked so hard how special they are and how much fun they had along the way with their hard work,” says Smith.

He also considers photography as a hobby. “Preparing the slide show gives me satisfaction in many ways. I’m challenged each year to improve on the prior year’s efforts and I’m continually rewarded by the smiles of young swimmers.”

Smith, an alumnus of Washington University in St. Louis where he grew up, also volunteers for the university as an area representative, where he interviews prospective students, and has done so since 1996.

“I look forward each fall to meeting with some of the outstanding young people from this area, hearing about their goals and ambitions and sharing with them some of my enthusiasm for one of the schools where they are applying,” he says.

Smith and his wife like to travel, but he says that he doesn’t see himself quitting volunteering any time soon. “You get involved and it’s hard to stop. There’s never really a good time, I don’t have any immediate plans so I don’t think I’ll stop any time soon. These activities are enjoyable and fun. I’m looking forward to next year, the 25th Annual Slide Show!”

—By Miranda Schultz